History
CEDPA was founded in 1975 as the Centre for Population Activities. The initial focus of the organization was improving health and community development by training family planning managers to ensure those programs reflected community needs. At that time, management was seen as a man’s job and 80 percent of initial training participants were men. Very few women led community-based health and nutrition organizations, despite providing most of the services in the communities. Fewer still were in top government ranks where reproductive health policies were formulated.
CEDPA developed its first comprehensive training for women in 1978 and since that time has trained over 5,000 women, men and youth in a range of critical development topics. These alumni have advanced to assume various leadership positions around the world, including heads of local organizations, ministers and parliamentarians.
The organization also expanded to work in partnership with local organizations to improve education, health and well-being of women and their families within communities worldwide. By providing sub-grants and technical assistance to local partners, CEDPA strengthens community organizations for lasting change. The organization has awarded nearly $100 million in sub-grants to local organizations and women’s groups since its founding.
Read more about this topic: Centre For Development And Population Activities
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